The Trump administration on Wednesday requested an additional $87.6 billion in funding from the U.S. Congress, with the majority related to the conflict involving Iran. This move is certain to spark fresh debate with lawmakers, who have already expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing conflict.
The supplemental funding request, posted on the White House website and submitted to Congress, includes $67.15 billion for military spending. This is an additional request on top of the approximately $1 trillion in military funding allocated last year and the $1.5 trillion in military funding the President plans to request for the next fiscal year.
The White House stated that the newly proposed funds are intended to cover operational costs for the war effort concerning Iran, including expenses for military personnel and readiness, operational costs to replenish weapons stockpiles, and costs for classified programs.
The additional military funding request also includes $21 billion for procuring munitions, strengthening the U.S. industrial base, and supporting critical capabilities.
The supplemental budget request also includes approximately $1.4 billion for responding to the Ebola outbreak in Africa, comprising $800 million in international humanitarian assistance and $500 million in global health security funding for prevention, detection, and response efforts.
The White House stated, "This funding is critical to protecting the American people and stopping the outbreak from spreading to the United States."
Prior to the outbreak, the current administration had significantly cut budgets for the U.S. Agency for International Development and public health programs in Africa.
The budget request also seeks $11.1 billion to support American farmers and $1 billion to enhance pensions for employees of Delphi, the auto parts division of General Motors (GM.N). These employees were laid off during the bankruptcy restructuring of the Detroit automaker in 2009.
The White House is also requesting $500 million to support construction projects in and around Washington, D.C., and $1 billion to assist in the rebuilding of New York's Pennsylvania Station.
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